Long after midnight and shortly before dawn the core of the Bartlet Administration drifted back to the White House. They returned to the place that would be theirs for another four years. All of them were filled with awe and joy.

Bonnie called home to gleefully inform her parents she'd be away from Indiana for another four years.

Ginger dug out a file on her desk and pulled out the form to renew her apartment lease.

Debbie checked her desk and found someone had rearranged a pen and pad on the surface. She straightened them, straightened her jacket and got straight to work on the day and years ahead.

Charlie nodded to her as he passed through the office on his way home. He'd already found a congratulatory e-mail from his sister. The campaign has convinced the college freshman to major in poli sci.

Zoe came down from the Residence anxious for another hug from Charlie. She was torn between pride in her Dad's accomplishments and annoyance her life wouldn't be her own for another four years.

Carol made sure the Press Room was neat and stocked before heading out the door hand in hand with a Secret Service Agent. He was off duty but sure of his continuing duty on the First Lady's detail.

Margaret pulled open a desk drawer and reached for a framed photo inside. She ran a finger over the gilt edge and smiled at the shot of Mrs. Landingham with her. She whispered, "We did it again. Thanks for watching over us."

Leo came through the door as she was putting the picture back. "You should leave it out to remind us of who helped get us here." He moved to his office longing for a celebratory drink and a cigar. He settled for staring at the framed napkin where years before he'd printed "Bartlet For America". Then, he pumped his fist and grinned.

Mallory caught Leo's muted celebration and then caught him into a hug. She reveled in seeing him happy. She'd left the Bartlet family party to deliver a cigar to her Dad. She said, "I'm proud of you."

He nodded too overcome to speak. He found his voice to reply, "I've got some calls to make. You going home?"

Her smile told him she had other plans. Leo sighed, "He's probably in his office."

Sam took inventory of the items in his office. His focus split between the "Bartlet For America" campaign button and his Los Angeles Lakers cap. His emotions split between giddiness over the confirmed Bartlet victory and the possible California 47th victory. He was brought back to reality by a tap on his door.

Sam glanced up and found pleasure and purchase when Mallory smiled at him. "You look a million miles away. Want company?"

"Absolutely." He stood to usher her in and found himself pulling her close.

She crowed, "We did it. Goodness triumphs. I love a good campaign."

He shut the door while still holding her and nodded. "Glad to hear that. I need to tell you something."

Donna watched as networks showed the West Wing Staff applauding the President. She saw Josh clap Sam on the shoulder in the tape and thought about polling results breaking up that old gang of hers. She felt proud her vote had counted even through some byzantine means and one Navy Lt. Commander.

Her reverie broke with the sound of an envelope dropping onto her desk. She noticed it was from the White House Photographer's Office and smiled.

Donna slid out a picture taken earlier in the evening. The President had called her over to pose with him. It was a digital shot and the 8X10 now lay in her hands with the inscription: "Your years of hard work count for more than one vote. Gratefully, Jed Bartlet."

It was dated today. Donna looked closer at the writing and decided it must have been signed on the run, the signature was shaky.

Josh put his feet up on his desk and pulled out his phone. He checked the voice mail and found congratulatory calls from Mandy, Joey, Amy, Ainsley and his Mom. He was reminded of Donna quoting for him, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may."

He thought this collection of American Beauties made quite a garden and he wondered who would bloom in his life in the next term.

He noticed the TV highlights of the kisses and hugs between the First Couple at the Victory speech. He speculated, "At least someone is a lock to get lucky tonight."

Toby heard the remark as he passed by and answered, "Not going to a barbecue but I'm feeling lucky."

He got a look of wonder on his face as he patted his shirt pocket. He needed to keep his kids close to his heart. They'd already claimed a large share of it.

As he reached to another pocket for his phone, Toby silently vowed, "Your father will do good for you and for all kids in this country."

Andi laid one hand on her stomach while the other tried to pick up the last few crumbs of pie crust on a plate. "You know Beatrice and Bluto, I'm not eating for two but for three. So I should be able to have another piece of pie."

She continued watching the election coverage secure in her own Congressional victory. There was more Bartlet celebration tape. "There's your Dad. He would probably be unhappy if I didn't save him pie. He'd yell but you should probably get used to living with that loud volume."

Her voice softened, "I promise though he'll turn to mush around you two. He probably won't scream at you until you're teenagers."

The phone rang and she smiled, "That'll be him with another proposal of marriage."

Danny paced the room and then sat down. He repeated the tour of the room and then perched again on a chair. The office door opened into the room lit only by the desk lamp. He recognized the form and sprang into action.

C.J. found herself on Danny's lap and being kissed. In the dark, she recognized his beard and his mouth. She made a move to end the kiss. But in an instant, push turned to pull and she returned his kiss passionately.

He broke the seal of their mouths and gave her a rakish grin. "Happy Second Term."

She tried to climb off his lap arguing, "It's not our Second Term just our second Presidential Election victory."

He held her close. "Stickler."

C.J. felt the rush from the champagne she'd guzzled and the Scotch she tasted on Danny. That combined with the exhilaration of the victory left her feeling reckless. She ran a hand over Danny's face ending at his lips. Her fingers traced them over and over as she stared into his eyes. "God, that felt good. Must have been the element of surprise."

"Try again and see." His invitation was issued in a brazen tone.

She bent to kiss him again but pulled herself back. "I must be drunk, I thought of doing it. Stop the insanity."

"Face it, you're not insane just crazy about me and now all bets are off."

"How do you figure, Danny?" Her voice sounded wistful. "We're still in the same jobs."

"But the President's been re-elected. I can't be accused of being the shill to help you advance the President's prospects. He's done running."

She knew there had to be a flaw in Danny's logic. At least for the moment, however, she didn't care. "I can't believe my campaign days are over."

"There are campaigns and changes to come but that's in the future. For now, you're on my lap, you smell incredible and you taste delicious."

"Now works for me. Push that door shut and kiss me again. I'll deal with the consequences later."

Abbey leaned her face against the window pane enjoying the coolness of the glass. She looked out at the vista and realized she was the landlady for another term.

Her mind swirled with the possibilities of all the things to be accomplished in a second term.

She knew her main priority was to keep her husband as healthy as possible. She'd have to do it without her medical bag. The victory today meant the loss of her license for four more years.

She sighed and turned back into the room to look at the picture sent up by C.J. Her family smiled at her from the glossy page. Jed held their hands high and their girls clustered around them. Family resemblances and joy were apparent.

Abbey traced a finger over the image of her hand joined with Jed's. She'd have to make sure she was always on that side to keep people from noticing the tremor.

"Guess that'll be another reason to hold your hand." Jed had come up behind Abbey quietly and placed his steady hand on her shoulder.

She leaned her head sideways to cover it. "Like you need an excuse to get your hands on me."

"True enough."

"Are you done with bed check?" She turned to her husband.

"Yeah, the grownups are still floating around."

"That's to be expected."

"Not under my roof."

"It's the American people's roof, Jed."

"Maybe I'll issue a Presidential order."

"Just be grateful, we're all here and you can count on another family portrait on another Inauguration Day."

He rubbed his hand to try and calm it. "I can't do much signing in public anyway. I may have to start imitating Napoleon and tucking my hand into my coat."

"At least we're not doomed for exile."

"Abbey, what are we doomed to?"

"Nothing." She wrapped her arms around his waist to pull him closer as she kissed him. "Just like the determination you found to sign that picture for Donna, we'll use the same kind of courage and character to face our future."

"Tonight, we can be happy though, right?" Jed now was the one initiating the kiss.

"Among other things, I'd like to be happy in bed."

"I'm still too keyed up to sleep."

"Jed, I don't think I said anything about sleep."

"I see." He led his wife towards the bed. "You know, I'm very glad you decided to vote for me."

"Mr. President, I'm happy lots of us decided to vote for you. Now, keep your campaign promise."

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